Blake Lehew has long since established himself as one of the 82-kilogram division’s top titans in powerlifting. However, many of the athlete’s achievements have come while competing raw with wraps. That includes, per Open Powerlifting, a World Record total of 930 kilograms (2,050.3 pounds) notched in a first-place result at the 2022 WRPF American Pro. As this 319.9-kilogram (705.4-pound) squat demonstrates, Lehew has officially taken his 82-kilogram catalog of accomplishments to the next level.

In addition to his all-time raw competition best squat, Lehew secured a personal record (PR) raw DOTS score of 620 — the ratio of an athlete’s body weight to the weight they’re lifting. Lehew also matched his all-time raw competition best total of 915 kilograms (2,017.2 pounds), which he initially recorded during a first-place performance at the 2022 WRPF PPC Finals.

Here’s an overview of Lehew’s top stats from the 2023 USA-UA Pioneer on the Beach:

Blake Lehew (82KG) | 2023 USA-UA Pioneer on the Beach Top Stats

• Squat — 319.9 kilograms (705.4 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition Best
• Bench Press — 220 kilograms (485 pounds)
• Deadlift — 374.9 kilograms (826.7 pounds)
• Total — 915 kilograms (2,017.2 pounds) | Matches All-Time Raw Competition Best

Notably, Lehew had teased his pursuit of surpassing a 385-kilogram (848-pound) raw deadlift by performing it beltless during a late February 2023 training session. The athlete ultimately fell short of repeating the in-gym performance during the Pioneer on the Beach contest, as he summed up portions of the rest of his performance as “subpar” in an Instagram post. That goal will have to wait for another competition to come true.

In the same Instagram post recapping his performance, Lehew — who noted he brought a personal team to a full meet for the first time — seemed over the moon at what he could accomplish in this raw, sanctioned powerlifting setting.

It appears to be one of the best and most collaborative moments of his professional career.

“This was the first time I’ve been able to bring a team to a big meet and it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.”

Featured image: @deadliftingorangutan on Instagram

The post Blake Lehew Breaks 317.5-Kilogram (700-Pound) Raw Squat Barrier In Competition appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Apr. 3, 2023, Björnsson shared a video of himself capturing a 420-kilogram (925.9-pound) raw back squat during a training session. The athlete wore a lifting belt and knee wraps to help demonstrate how much of his incredible leg power had already returned with diligent efforts.

Prior to this squat, Björnsson placed a hard cap on what he would attempt with a loaded barbell on his shoulders. By Apr. 15, 2023, the athlete plans to squat 440 kilograms (970 pounds), matching his all-time best squat performance from the 2018 WRPF-Iceland Thor’s Powerlifting Challenge which he attained just months after his WSM victory. As clips on his Instagram profile show, the athlete has been steadily building toward this one-rep max.

His ascent back to form has taken a quality, gradual trajectory.

For example, roughly three months ago, Björnsson was powering through a 225-kilogram (496-pound) raw squat for five reps. Then, two months ago, Björnsson filmed himself capturing a 260-kilogram (573.2-pound) raw squat for three reps. About five weeks ago, Björnsson notched a 350-kilogram (771.6-pound) raw squat. Finally, a week before this latest achievement, Björnsson squatted 380 kilograms (837.7 pounds) raw.

This means that, over the course of approximately three months, Björnsson added 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds) to his squat training weight. To be fair, he likely retained much of his strength despite stepping away from a lifting gym focus for a little while and has benefitted from “muscle memory,” shaking the rust from his squat mechanics.

It’s still impressive to nearly double what he started with from the beginning of a new training program. Notable, too, is the athlete’s recently reported body weight of 177 kilograms (390 pounds), which is 20.4 kilograms (45 pounds) lighter than his 2018 squat performance.

Should Björnsson reach his 440-kilogram (970-pound) goal by mid-April 2023, there will likely be little doubt “The Mountain” will have made his formal return to the strength sports’ fray.

Beyond his massive squat, Björnsson has made his coming intentions quite clear. In the +140-kilogram weight class, the versatile athlete plans to break Daniel Bell’s raw (with wraps) World Record total of 1,182.5 kilograms (2,606.9 pounds) from the 2021 WRPF Hybrid Showdown III. Björnsson recently deadlifted 395 kilograms (870.8 pounds) raw alongside Bell at the 2023 Arnold Sports Festival (ASF).

After that, in 2024, Björnsson will finally return to competitive strongman for the first time since 2020. Based on the living legend’s precedent, even that comeback will likely feature some measure of fireworks.

Featured image: @thorbjornsson on Instagram

The post Hafthor Björnsson Squats 420 Kilograms (925.9 Pounds) Raw, Continues Powerful Return to Strongman appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Feb. 19, 2023, as an 82.5-kilogram competitor, Henderson set an all-time World Record squat with knee sleeves of 267.5 kilograms (589.7 pounds) during the WRPF contest. With the feat, Henderson broke the previous raw record, which she also held, in the 82.5-kilogram weight class after squatting 250 kilograms (551.1 pounds). That mark occurred at the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Hybrid Showdown 4 in January 2022. A year later, the athlete has added 17.4 kilograms (38.6 pounds) to her previous raw best. In addition to her knee sleeves, Henderson also donned wrist wraps and a lifting belt during the squat.

It seemed apparent the lift was of little issue for Henderson. After attaining appropriate depth, Henderson exploded with ease, showing minimal signs of struggle to build on her own World Record. What’s more, Henderson appeared to use this competitive setting as a showcase, actually breaking the record on her second squat attempt when she successfully lifted 257.5 kilograms (567.7 pounds). The competitor’s final lift looked to be more about extending her own mark rather than strategically holding back in earlier attempts to focus on one impressive performance.

Her raw World Records aside, according to Open Powerlifting, Henderson possesses two squats with wraps records. One in the 75-kilogram class with a squat of 294.9 kilograms (650.3 pounds) from the 2021 WRPF Kern US Open. While the other 82.5-kilogram weight class squat of 305 kilograms (672.4 pounds) occurred at the 2022 WRPF FQ Classic 2.

Now, Henderson can add another record notch to her ever-expanding belt of accomplishments on sanctioned lifting platforms.

With 2023 still in its early stages, only time will tell what other achievements Henderson adds to her mantle in the coming months. If she’s adding that much weight to her own record within roughly a year’s time, it’s clear this is an athlete with more room to expand and more records likely to be set.

Featured image: @ironrebel on Instagram

The post Hunter Henderson (82.5KG) Notches All-Time World Record Squat of 267.5 Kilograms (589.7 Pounds) appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Domestically, in the 82.5-kilogram division, Orhii owns the USA Powerlifting (USAPL) raw American Records on the squat (320.5 kilograms/706.6 pounds) and total (838 kilograms/1,847.5 pounds). He notched his IPF record squat during the 2021 IPF Worlds, while he tallied his American Record at the 2022 USAPL Mega Nationals.

That isn’t stopping the powerlifting superstar, who doesn’t appear to rest on the laurels of his past accomplishments. On Dec. 4, 2022, Orhii showed how far he’s come with his strength when he shared an Instagram clip of himself locking out a 319.8-kilogram (705-pound) back squat for three reps.

Per the caption of Orhii’s post, the set is a new personal record (PR). Check it out below:

For context on Orhii’s latest display of unique power, his training feat is on par with some of his best-ever squat singles. The American athlete’s three-rep 319.8-kilogram (705-pound) back squat PR is just half a kilogram (one pound) off both his IPF World Record and American Record squats.

Meanwhile, Orhii’s three-rep PR is just 3.22 kilograms (7.1 pounds) off of his all-time raw competition best of 323 kilograms (712.1 pounds). That squat occurred at the 2021 USAPL Raw Nationals.

As for other recent training accomplishments, Orhii has stayed busy during the 2022 calendar year. In early April 2022, he ground through a 345-kilogram (760.5-pound) raw deadlift PR. In early October 2022, he crushed a 347-kilogram (765-pound) back squat PR.

Orhii’s focus seems to be centered around reps in the gym lately. Just a week prior to this latest three-rep squat PR, Orhii shared a clip where he powered through a 310-kilogram (683-pound) squat for four reps. He destroyed a 288-kilogram (635-pound) squat for six reps five weeks beforehand.

Orhii’s work is likely connected to an upcoming powerlifting contest in late December 2022. At the time of this writing, he has not disclosed when that competition will precisely occur or what it is.

Orhii previously alluded to dipping his toes into competitive bodybuilding but never provided a concrete update on when he would appear on stage.

Regardless of what Orhii’s future holds, it’s evident that he isn’t yet fully satisfied with his illustrious resume. With that in mind, expect plenty of milestones and rousing performances to come from this powerlifting dynamo.

Featured image: @russwole on Instagram

The post Russel Orhii “Gets Even” With a 319.8-Kilogram (705-Pound) Three-Rep Squat PR appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Dec. 3, 2022, Ellis captured her first career European title at the 2022 EPF European Championships. The athlete competed raw in the 76-kilogram weight class — her competitive division dating back to early March 2020. The strength contest took place from Nov. 25, 2022, to Dec. 4, 2022, in Skierniewice, Poland.

Amidst her championship performance, Ellis scored a new European and British Record in the 76-kilogram class on the deadlift — successfully pulling 240.5 kilograms (530.2 pounds) for those top marks. Ellis completed her deadlift from a sumo stance while using a mixed grip and wore just a lifting belt.

In addition to her new deadlift records, Ellis matched her all-time raw competition best bench press of 122.5 kilograms (270 pounds). She scored her new all-time raw competition best total of 528 kilograms (1,164 pounds), surpassing her previous best of 527.5 kilograms (1,162.9 pounds) by half a kilogram (1.1 pounds). Both past bench press and total figures occurred at the 2022 International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) Arnold Sports Festival.

Here’s an overview of the top stats from Ellis’s complete performance at the 2022 EPF European Classic Championships:

2022 EPF European Classic Championships Results | Sophia Ellis (76KG)

• Squat — 165 kilograms (363.8 pounds)
• Bench Press — 122.5 kilograms (270 pounds) | Equals All-Time Raw Competition Best
• Deadlift — 240.5 kilograms (530.2 pounds) | European and British Record
• Total — 528 kilograms (1,164 pounds) | All-Time Raw Competition PR

Prior to her victory at the 2022 EPF European Championships, the highlight of Ellis’s powerlifting career was arguably her 76-kilogram division win at the 2022 British Powerlifting (BP) British Classic Women’s Championships.

Ellis also boasts a top-four finish in the 76-kilogram class at the 2021 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships.

In a post on her Instagram after the European competition, Ellis beamed with pride and reflected on what the win might have meant to her late father.

“This still feels so surreal, but I won … European Champion 2022!” Ellis wrote. “It means the absolute world to me to have won this championship and stand on top of that platform … I know Dad is looking down, celebrating with me.”

Featured image: @sophiastrength on Instagram

The post Powerlifter Sophia Ellis (76KG) Deadlifts European Record of 240.5 Kilograms (530.2 Pounds) En Route to First European Title appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

For the second consecutive year, Chapon has won the 2022 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Classic Powerlifting Championships. As the athlete has done in most of her competitive appearances dating back to September 2020, Chapon’s first-place performance saw her feature in the 47-kilogram weight class as a raw and Open competitor. This year’s contest takes place in Skierniewice, Poland, and runs from Nov. 25 to Dec. 4, 2022.

Here’s an overview of Chapon’s performance at the 2022 European Championships, with her top stats on each of her best lifts:

Tiffany Chapon | Top Stats 2022 EPF European Classic Powerlifting Championships

• Squat — 150 kilograms (330.7 pounds)
• Bench Press — 95 kilograms (209.4 pounds)
• Deadlift — 162.5 kilograms (358.3 pounds)
• Total — 407.5 kilograms (898.4 pounds)

While she didn’t notch any records, taking home another European title in her weight class could be a sign of the consistent excellency Chapon has established throughout her career. According to Open Powerlifting — in a competitive strength journey that began in September 2020 at the 2020 Fédération Française de Force (FFForce) Silent Worker Meet — Chapon has now won nine of 12 career contests. That sterling resume not only includes her two consecutive European titles (2021-2022) but also back-to-back victories in the annual International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Classic Powerlifting Championships (2021-2022).

That 2022 IPF display might be the current tentpole moment of Chapon’s life on sanctioned lifting platforms. At the contest in Sun City, South Africa, the French athlete broke three separate IPF World Records in the 47-kilogram division on the squat (160.5 kilograms/353.9 pounds), bench press (96 kilograms/211.6 pounds), and total (426.5 Kilograms/940.4 pounds). Note: Per the official IPF database, Chapon’s bench press mark has since been surpassed by Ukraine’s Nataliia Cheremenko (99 kilograms/218.2 pounds) at the 2022 European Championships.

Results like this should probably have been no surprise for Chapon. A handful of training occasions in spring 2022 saw the athlete unofficially surpass various IPF World Records multiple times. In this case, practice made (almost) perfect for a simultaneous European and World champion.

With the holiday season around the corner, it seems likely Chapon may finally take time to sit back and ruminate on the successful 2022 that was. Though when the calendar finally shifts to 2023, it may only be fair to expect more coming fireworks from this powerlifting dynamo.

Featured image: @turbo_tiff on Instagram

The post Powerlifter Tiffany Chapon (47KG) Wins the European Championship Once Again appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

During the 2022 IPF Equipped World Championships on Nov. 16, 2022, in Viborg, Denmark, Krüger successfully locked out an equipped World Record squat of 280.5 kilograms (618.4 pounds) in the 76-kilogram weight class. (Note: At the time of this article’s publication, the competition is still underway, making it unclear where Krüger has finished in her category.)

The video of Krüger’s astonishing squat isn’t only noteworthy for its showcase of dynamic leg strength on an international lifting platform. As soon as Krüger finished her rep, she stepped away from her loaded barbell, clearly overjoyed as she proceeded to jump around in place in excitement.

Somewhat unlike other competitors at the 2022 IPF Equipped Worlds, a glance at Krüger’s resume on Open Powerlifting will denote she mainly competes while equipped. Of those mentioned 60-plus competitive appearances, Krüger wasn’t equipped in just 18 of them.

Here’s an overview of some of the more notable results from Krüger’s official powerlifting ledger:

Sonja Stefanie Krüger | Notable Career Results

• 2014 Bundesverband Deutscher Kraftdreikämpfer (BVDK) Hessiche Meisterschaft im Kreuzheben (Youth/Raw) — First place | First career victory
• 2014 Global Powerlifting Committee (GPC) World Championships (Youth/Wraps) — First place
• 2015-2016, 2018-2019 IPF World Bench Press Championships (Sub-Juniors/Equipped; Juniors/Equipped) — First place
• 2015-2016 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships (Sub-Juniors/Raw) — First place
• 2016 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Classic Powerlifting Championships (Sub-Juniors/Raw) — First place
• 2019 EPF European Equipped Powerlifting Championships (Juniors/Equipped) — First place
• 2021 IPF World Powerlifting Championships (Open/Equipped) — Second place
• 2022 EPF Equipped European Powerlifting Championships (Open/Equipped) — First place

Krüger is no stranger to record lifts. The athlete is now the equipped IPF squat World Record holder in the 69-kilogram (260 kilograms/573.2 pounds), 76-kilogram (280.5 kilograms/618.4 pounds), and 84-kilogram (275 kilograms/507 pounds) divisions. She also possesses the equipped IPF World Record bench press (182.5 kilograms/402.3 pounds) in the 69-kilogram division, which doubles as the equipped Single Bench Press IPF World Record.

Here’s a rundown of Krüger’s all-time equipped competition bests:

Sonja Stefanie Krüger | Equipped All-Time Competition Bests

• Squat — 280.5 kilograms (618.4 pounds) | IPF World Record
• Bench Press — 210 kilograms (462.9 pounds)
• Deadlift — 205.5 kilograms (453 pounds)
• Total — 685 kilograms (1,510.1 pounds)

Even as the 2022 IPF Equipped Worlds start to close on Nov. 20, 2022, there’s little doubt Krüger’s squat record will be one of the contest’s highlights when all’s said and done.

Featured image: theipf on Instagram

The post Powerlifter Sonja Stefanie Krüger (76KG) Squats World Record 280.5 Kilograms (618.4 Pounds) at 2022 IPF Equipped Worlds appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

Maddox’s first record was a 390-kilogram (859.8-pound) deadlift that Maddox pulled from a sumo stance with a mixed grip while wearing a lifting belt. The pull surpasses Max Shethar’s previous figure of 350 kilograms (771.6 pounds) from the 2021 United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) Ragnarok Invite II. Maddox’s second feat was a 962.5-kilogram (2,117.5-pound) total, exceeding Jackson Powell’s past mark of 897 kilograms (1,977.5 pounds) from the 2022 United States Powerlifting Coalition Big Bend Classic.

 

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[Related: How to Do the Hack Squat — Benefits, Variations, and More]

Here’s an overview of Maddox’s complete performance at the 2022 APL Strength Quest II, where he also earned all-time raw competition bests on his squat and bench press:

Theo Maddox (140KG) | 2022 APL Strength Quest II Top Stats

• Squat — 355 kilograms (781 pounds) | All-Time Competition Best
• Bench Press — 217.5 kilograms (478.5 pounds) | All-Time Competition best
• Deadlift — 390 kilograms (859.8 pounds) | Teen 18-19 World Record
• Total — 962.5. kilograms (2,117.5 pounds) | Teen 18-19 World Record

With four competitions to his name according to Open Powerlifting, Maddox has yet to lose in his budding competitive career. Here’s a rundown of his complete career results:

Theo Maddox | Complete Career Results

• 2020 New Zealand Powerlifting Federation (NZPF) WBOP Regional Championships (Sub-Juniors/Raw) — First place
• 2020 NZPF Nationals (Sub-Juniors/Raw) — First place
• 2021 NZPF North Island Championships (Juniors/Raw) — First place
• 2022 APL Strength Quest II (Teen 18-19/Raw) — First place

 

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A post shared by Maddox (@theo_maddox)

[Related: The 5 Best Exercises for Tall People]

Despite his most recent impressive result undoubtedly putting him on the powerlifting map, Maddox didn’t appear satisfied with a record-breaking output. As the 19-year-old athlete would explain in a post on his Instagram, he’s treating this stellar finish as a learning experience.

“Look, it wasn’t the day I wanted, but it was good to get on the platform again after so long off,” Maddox wrote. “I have a lot to learn and improve upon, and that’s honestly very exciting to have acquired all this new information. I am now in a very good position to build some of my foundations up and work on my weaknesses. A break will do me good, however. I need to take care of my mental [health] and plan a fair amount out. Talk less, do more. Talk is cheap, after all.”

Featured image: @theo_maddox on Instagram

The post 19-Year-Old Powerlifter Theo Maddox (140KG) Sets 2 Teen World Records at 2022 APL Strength Quest II appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On Oct. 4, 2022, Orhii shared an Instagram video of himself capturing a 347-kilogram (765-pound) back squat during a workout. According to the caption of the athlete’s post, it’s an all-time personal record (PR). The squat in training is 24 kilograms (52.9 pounds) more than Orhii’s all-time raw competition best. He achieved that figure during a first-place performance at the 2021 USA Powerlifting (USAPL) Raw Nationals contest. Orhii wore a lifting belt, wrist wraps, and knee sleeves to help with the successful lockout.

 

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A post shared by Russel Orhii (@russwole)

[Related: Back Squat Vs. Front Squat: Which, When, and Why]

In what is undoubtedly typical Orhii fashion, he approached the massive squat with a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Even before Orhii stepped into the squat rack and under his barbell, his hopping around and dancing beforehand made it evident the powerlifter was quite confident about notching a new milestone.

Meanwhile, the comments of Orhii’s squat PR post featured one of his esteemed powerlifting peers, the prolific deadlifting extraordinaire Jamal Browner. At first, Browner, who is seen in the video spotting Orhii during the lift, notes that he was “scared” Orhii wouldn’t finish the squat once he saw some slight hesitation in the athlete’s launch. However, Browner then fittingly “remembered” Orhii usually completes massive lifts he sets out for.

Indeed, after winning the 2022 USAPL Mega Nationals in the 82-kilogram weight class in early June, it’s been quite a successful summer and early fall for Orhii. Before he scored this all-time squat PR, Orhii notched a 351.5 (775-pound) deadlift during a late September 2022 training session. Respective lifts like this appear connected to an upcoming (but unspecified) strength sports competition.

In some of Orhii’s previous posts, he had alluded to a foray into bodybuilding but never noted an exact time he planned to pose on a stage. At the time of this writing, he is approximately 11 weeks out from this powerlifting or bodybuilding contest as per Orhii’s comment on another recent Instagram post.

To put Orhii’s new squat and deadlift PRs into more context, here’s an overview of the powerlifter’s all-time raw competition bests:

Russel Orhii | All-Time Raw Competition Bests

• Squat — 323 kilograms (712.1 pounds)
• Bench Press — 195 kilograms (429.9 pounds)
• Deadlift — 333 kilograms (734.1 pounds)
• Total — 843 kilograms (1,858.5 pounds)

 

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A post shared by Russel Orhii (@russwole)

[Related: How to Do The Hack Squat — Benefits, Variations, and More]

With Orhii’s latest training achievement in the books and another competition on the horizon, it’s clear the superstar has a full plate. Not that this lifting dynamo would want it any other way.

Featured image: @russwole on Instagram

The post Russel Orhii Crushes a New 765-Pound Squat PR appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On September 7, 2022, Marcelle posted an Instagram clip where she squatted 263 kilograms (580 pounds) raw while wearing a lifting belt and knee sleeves during a training session. According to the caption of Marcelle’s post, it’s a new personal record (PR) for the powerlifter and more than the current World Record in her weight class of 90 kilograms. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sherine (@sincerelysherine)

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Marcelle’s training feat might be even more notable in comparison to official marks. That’s because Marcelle’s squat PR unofficially exceeds Amanda Lawrence‘s all-time World Record in the 90-kilogram weight class by seven kilograms (15.7 pounds). Lawrence set her record by squatting 256 kilograms (564.3 pounds) at the 2020 USA Powerlifting Gainsgiving Open.

None of this recent precedent is new to Marcelle’s established high standards of late.

For example, in early June 2022, Marcelle notched a squat with wraps of 297 kilograms (655 pounds) for a new PR. That figure unofficially eclipsed Crystal Tate’s squat with wraps World Record of 290.3 kilograms (640 pounds) from the 2017 Xtreme Powerlifting Coalition (XPC) Finals. Then, in late August 2022, the powerlifter actually completed a squat four pounds over the current 90KG World Record twice. Plus, as she displayed on her Instagram just two days prior to her latest one-rep raw squat PR, Marcelle captured a 288-kilogram (635-pound) raw squat double PR. 

At Marcelle’s current pace, logging a new PR and repeatedly making current records seem casual might be the baseline expectation for this star powerlifter. In other words: It’s all in a summer’s work for Marcelle. 

Here’s an overview of Marcelle’s all-time raw competition bests:

Sherine Marcelle | All-Time Raw Competition Bests

• Squat — 245 kilograms (540.1 pounds)
• Bench Press —127.5 kilograms (281.1 pounds)
• Deadlift — 227.5 kilograms (501.5 pounds) | Third-Heaviest Squat All-Time (90KG)
• Total — 592.5 kilograms (1,306.2 pounds)

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Sherine (@sincerelysherine)

[Related: Can You Squat Every Day?]

As a seemingly passionate athlete, Marcelle doesn’t seem to be one to shy away from wearing her heart on her sleeve. A general perusal of her social media posts denotes Marcelle consistently expressing gratitude for her peers, her journey, and her “progress” as she carves out an impressive and illustrious powerlifting career.

Marcelle’s latest squat feat post, where she discusses successfully fighting off self-doubt, is no different as an insight into her mindset. 

“These are the moments I live for,” Marcelle wrote in reference to her latest raw squat PR. “The ones where I doubt every being in me and still show up.”

Featured image: @sincerelysherine on Instagram

The post Sherine Marcelle (90KG) Logs Another Squat PR and Unofficially Exceeds the Squat World Record, Again appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On July 20, 2022, LaFlamme (83KG) shared footage on his Instagram page wherein he completed a raw 193.7-kilogram (427-pound) back squat during a training session. It is a new personal record (PR) for LaFlamme. The figure is also 1.54 pounds more than his own International Powerlifting Federation (IPF) World Record in the Masters 4 (age 70+) division. The 83-kilogram athlete achieved that 193-kilogram (425.5-pound) record squat at the 2021 IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships. 

LaFlamme wore just a lifting belt and knee sleeves to score his new PR.  Check it out below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by John LaFlamme (@johnlaflamme83kg)

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It’s not often a powerlifter breaks records across two divisions with one training feat, but that’s precisely what the LaFlamme accomplished. His new top squat PR unofficially exceeds the world records in two IPF Masters 4 weight class categories.

In addition to the 83-kilogram division, LaFlamme’s 193.7-kilogram (427-pound) squat is 2.6 pounds more than Christian Buch’s IPF Masters 4 World Record for the 93-kilogram class. Buch captured his official record squat mark of 192.5 kilograms (424.4 pounds) at the 2019 European Powerlifting Federation (EPF) European Masters Classic Championships. 

LaFlamme at a Glance

At age 27, LaFlamme made his competitive powerlifting debut in 1978 during the AAU Maine State Powerlifting Championships. Since then, LaFlamme has participated in 48 sanctioned contests, winning 28 times over multiple divisions, sometimes competing raw and with wraps at the same competitions. After several promising podium results in the IPF World Classic Powerlifting Championships (2017-2019), LaFlamme finally broke through with a win in the Masters 4 83-kilogram division during the 2021 edition — arguably the top result of his career. 

Here are LaFlamme’s raw all-time competition bests:

John LaFlamme | All-time Raw Competition Bests 

• *Squat — 210 kilograms (462.9 pounds)
• Bench Press — 112.5 kilograms (248 pounds)
• Deadlift — 245 kilograms (540.1 pounds)
• Total —  557.5 kilograms (1,229 pounds) 

*Note: LaFlamme’s 210-kilogram (462.9) raw squat is from the 2018 USA Powerlifting Virginia State Championships. However, that number came as a 90-kilogram competitor and wouldn’t count as a World Record anyway because it didn’t occur in an international contest. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by John LaFlamme (@johnlaflamme83kg)

[Related: The 20 Best Leg Exercises For Size And Strength]

What’s Next

With his current pace, LaFlamme could soon garner a noteworthy milestone. Should he add 6.3 kilograms (13.9 pounds) to his squat, LaFlamme would become the first IPF Masters 4 powerlifter to squat at least 200 kilograms (440.9 pounds). At the time of this writing, the 71-year-old athlete hasn’t revealed when his next sanctioned contest will be.

Featured image: @johnlaflamme83kg

The post Watch 71-Year-Old Powerlifter John LaFlamme (83KG) Crush a 427-Pound Squat for a New PR appeared first on Breaking Muscle.

On July 16, 2022, Penson shared footage on his Instagram page where he knocked out a 415-kilogram (915-pound) back squat with wraps during a training session. The strength figure is a new personal record (PR) for Penson and is 4.6 times his usual competition body weight of 90 kilograms (198.4 pounds). He wore a lifting belt and lifting straps for the squat, which you can view in the video below:

 

 

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Chad Penson (@kingpensonlifts)

[Related: Powerlifter Kristy Hawkins (75KG) Deadlifts Over 22 Pounds More Than Her Own World Record]

Penson’s new squat PR is 15 kilograms (33 pounds) more than his current all-time World Record of 400 kilograms (881.9 pounds) with wraps in the 90-kilogram class. He achieved that record at the 2021 World Raw Powerlifting Federation (WRPF) Kern US Open, taking first place overall. At the time of this writing, Penson remains the only 90-kilogram powerlifter to squat at least 400 kilograms in a sanctioned powerlifting meet. 

Per the caption of Penson’s Instagram post, he’s currently preparing for the 2022 WRPF American Pro, scheduled for July 29-30, 2022, in Manassas, VA. In reference to his new squat PR and other recent training feats like a 394.6-kilogram (870-pound) squat single from early July 2022, the powerlifter says he’s feeling some apparent fatigue. However, it doesn’t seem to be an obstacle that impedes any of his upcoming goals. 

“Two weeks until showtime [the 2022 WRPF American Pro],” Penson writes. “I’m a little beat up, but considering all that, I’m happy how this moved!”

A Dynamic Battle

As it stands, the 90-kilogram powerlifting division is mostly a tug of war between two athletes. To notch his first victory since September 2021, Penson will have to overcome his friendly rival, John Haack. In late July 2022, before Penson eclipsed his wraps figure, Haack squatted 365 kilograms (804.7 pounds), matching the raw world record. 

With wraps, Penson’s heaviest total of 997.5 kilograms (2,199.1 pounds) from the 2021 WRPF Kern US Open. Only Haack owns a higher raw total of 1,005.5-kilograms (2,216.8 pounds), which he scored at the 2021 WRPF Bucked Up Showdown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by John Haack (@bilbo_swaggins181)

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Haack recently confirmed over social media that he would return to the 90-kilogram division for the 2022 WRPF American Pro. The powerlifter competed at 100 kilograms during the 2022 United States Powerlifting Association Hybrid Showdown 4. That announcement sets up a potentially enticing clash between Penson and Haack for the top of the podium. By the American Pro’s end in early August, the record books might have their names splattered all over. 

Featured image: @kingpensonlifts on Instagram

The post Check Out Chad Penson (90KG) Squatting 33 Pounds Over His Current World Record appeared first on Breaking Muscle.